INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN SFAX, TUNISIA: PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 150 VICTIMS

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence is a universal
phenomenon considered as a public health problem.
Objectives: Describe the profile of the victims, the aggressors and the couples, study the characteristics of the
aggression, and discuss existing legislation on intimate
partner violence.
Methods: Prospective study of 150 victims of violence by
their intimate partner, examined in the department of
forensic medicine in Habib Bourguiba University
Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia from Mai 2014 to December
2014. Results: Most of the victims of intimate partner violence
are female. All ages and all socio-economical categories
are concerned. The aggressor has a certain control and
domination over the victim. The violence happens
during the whole period of marriage. Victims are subject
to physical, verbal and psychological violence. Sexual violence among couples is rarely mentioned. Children are
the only witnesses in most of the cases. Many traumatic
superficial lesions are found in the physical examination.
The duration of temporary total disability is frequently
less than 10 days.
Conclusion: The fight against intimate partner violence
requires the collaboration of social, judicial and medical
partners.